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We've got a
top IT team
The Information Technology (IT)
team at Regional Medical Center
(RMC) in Anniston was ranked one of
2015’s Best Hospital IT Departments
in the U.S. among those with 25 or
fewer employees. This annual ranking
by
Healthcare IT News
is based on
criteria that includes workplace
culture, leadership, opportunities
for professional development and
advancement, and programs for
employee compensation, benefits and
recognition.
RMC Anniston’s 20-person IT
team supports the 338-bed hospital
with the ultimate goal of improving
patient care.
“We continually look for ways
to improve not only information
technology processes, but also how
technology can help us fill gaps,”
says Pete Furlow, Chief Information
Officer. “We consistently reach out
to physicians, nurses and the entire
hospital staff to better understand
how we can improve workflows and
enhance patient care.”
Better beginnings for at-risk babies
Every 25 minutes in the U.S., a baby is born suffering from opiate
withdrawal. Over a 12-year period (2000 to 2012), the number
of U.S. babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)
increased five-fold.
During pregnancy, babies form a physical dependence
on substances used by their mothers. And after birth, they
experience withdrawal, just like adults. NAS is a painful
condition causing withdrawal symptoms that can include high-
pitched crying, tremors, hyperactive reflexes, inconsolability
and even seizures. While an opioid drug dependency in
newborns is more common (opioids are often prescribed for
pain management and addiction recovery), others can include
anxiety and sleep medicines, other painkillers, illegal drugs or
certain other prescription medicines.
Regional Medical Center in Anniston has embarked upon
a program to promote prevention and early identification of
mothers needing treatment as well as treatment for babies.
After evaluation and diagnosis, babies may need specialized
treatment. The treatment protocol for babies born with NAS will
assist in a healthier mom and baby.
Trained volunteer “cuddlers” and nonmedical interventions
are also key to soothing babies with NAS. Babies are swaddled
in private rooms that are kept quiet and dark, avoiding
overstimulation.
“It is a program from our hearts,” says Shelley Birchfield, RN,
OB Nurse Manager. “It is so gratifying to help these moms and
babies have a better chance at life, to help them find a new
beginning.”
Regional Medical Center
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THINGS TO KNOW